Two years after the COVID pandemic ended the Providence Bruins’ best chance at capturing a Calder Cup title, Boston’s AHL affiliate was regrouped and reloaded to make another championship run.
During the abbreviated, 25-game COVID season in 2021, Providence finished atop the three-team Atlantic Division, edging the Hartford Wolfpack and Bridgeport Islanders to close their season with some momentum.
Entering 2022, Providence had seemingly retooled with a strong mix of top prospects and slightly older European players looking to make their mark in the American game. With Ryan Mougenel elevated to head coach, the first-year skipper clearly sought an adjustment period to calling the shots.